The vernacular version is easy to read. It is set during Wu Zetian's reign. It revolves around Di Renjie's experience in solving cases and purging Chao Gang, and connects four bizarre and major cases.
The first half of the novel tells the story of Di Renjie's private visits while serving as the magistrate of Changping County, and his skillful investigation of people's injustices, such as the poisoning of Bi Shun and the violent death of Li Gu.
The plot of the work is full of ups and downs and full of suspense. It not only portrays Di Renjie's image as an upright official with superior intelligence, uprightness and caring for the common people, but also vividly demonstrates the various officialdom and social features of the Wu and Zhou Dynasties.
